Mark 6:1-6 And he went out from there, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. Our Lord may have had two reasons for leaving Capernaum and for visiting Nazareth. One, a personal reason — to see His mother and His sisters, who seem to have been married there. The other, a ministerial reason — to escape from the busy throngs who resorted to Him by the lake, and to take a new centre for evangelistic labours on the part of Himself and His disciples. I. THE UNREASONABLENESS AND INEXCUSABLENESS OF UNBELIEF IN CHRIST. 1. He was well-known to them. They had hitherto always found Him true and upright; therefore they ought to have candidly considered His claims. 2. He brought with Him a great and acknowledged reputation. 3. He came to Nazareth and taught publicly, thus giving His townsmen an opportunity of judging for themselves of His wisdom and moral authority. II. THE GROUNDS OF UNBELIEF IN CHRIST. 1. Prejudice on account of His origin and circumstances. 2. His educational deficiency. He had not been trained in the rabbinical schools, so they thought nothing of Him. III. THE REBUKE OF UNBELIEF. "A prophet is not without honour," etc. There was sadness in Christ's language and tone. Yet what a reproach to the unbelieving! They might be offended; there were others who would believe, evince gratitude, and render honour. IV. THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNBELIEF. 1. Christ "marvelled." 2. The results to the people of the town were lamentable — "He could do no mighty work." 3. Benefit to others — "He went round about the villages, teaching." The indifference or contempt of the unspiritual and self-sufficient may be the occasion of enlightenment and consolation to the lowly, receptive, needy. Application:(a) The coming of Christ to a soul, or community, is a moral probation involving serious responsibility. (b) It is the most fatal guilt and folly, in considering the claims of Christ, to overlook the wisdom and grace of His character and ministry, and to regard circumstances at which the superficial and carnal may take offence. (J. R. Thomson, M A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.WEB: He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. |
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